MATTHEW McNeil has backed new signing Marcus Richardson to be a success at Moss Rose.

The Macclesfield striker believes the pair can form a partnership to help the Silkmen pull away from danger and surge up the table.

McNeil, 29, has been outstanding since joining from Conference North side Hyde United - and grabbed his first League goal in the Silkmenés vital 2-0 win against Shrewsbury last Saturday.

And the former van driver is confident strike partner Richardson, who has signed from Chester until the end of the season, will deliver the goods.

"Heés quite tall and awkward like me," said McNeil, who became only the seventh player to score on his Macc debut since the club joined the Football League in 1997. "People have told me heés like Paulo Wanchope. Weére pretty similar in the way we play."

Brian Horton ended his search for a replacement for Jon Parkin this month when he swooped on unproven McNeil. And the muscular hitman has repaid the managerés faith with a string of impressive displays. The former Altrincham and Stalybridge player has scored two in five games, including one on his debut against Carlisle in the LDV Vans Area Final, but it is his all-round performance which have made him a fansé favourite.

"I couldnét have asked for a better start, scoring on my debut," said the forward. "I think Iéve adapted well. Iém just doing the same things as I did at Hyde and looking to score goals, but now Iém playing with better players."

The 6ft 5in marksman admitted joining the Silkmen has been his greatest achievement to date. He added: "Iéve won leagues and cups with Hyde and Stalybridge, but my move to Macclesfield is the the highlight of my career."

Victory against Shrewsbury has eased relegation fears, and McNeil has been impressed by the spirit at the Cheshire club. "Ités been really good so far," said McNeil. "The players and manager are nice, so are the fans, and I think Iéve adapted pretty well."